Family wants brutal attack by stepson classified as a ‘hate crime’

Family wants brutal attack by stepson classified as a ‘hate crime’

SMITH COUNTY, Miss. – A Smith County man is in critical condition after he was attacked during a family feud.

Outraged family members are calling it a “hate crime.”

Craig Wilson’s sister says he was brutally attacked by a relative for allowing his mixed race grandchildren to visit his home.

The family says his stepson came to Wilson’s property, screaming racist remarks at the family.

The stepson, Jeff Daniels, and Wilson got into a heated argument over the children.

“They called him some severe names and then they told him to leave and they chased him off his porch, around his house and beat him with brass knuckles and shot him with his own gun,” said Julie Wilson.

“It’s just really hard to deal with right now,” said Laura Runnels, the mother of the children.

According to the family members, the argument over the children visiting Wilson has been ongoing for months.

Two weeks ago, the family found a cross burning on their property.

The family is classifying this attack as a hate crime but the sheriff is not.

“We are because there was a cross burning previously two weeks ago that police were called to, but there was no incident report filed with Smith County,” said Wilson.

The sheriff says Daniels will remain behind bars until his initial appearance in court.